Australia launches world-first social media ban for under-16s

• Australia launched a world-first ban prohibiting children under 16 from using major social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, citing growing concerns over cyberbullying and mental health.
• Social media giants face fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$33 million) for non-compliance and must use age-verification methods, a policy critics warn infringes on free speech and youth rights.

Australia launched a world-first crackdown banning under-16s from social media on Wednesday, locking hundreds of thousands of teenagers out of platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

Social media giants now face fines of up to Aus$49.5 million (US$33 million) if they fail to purge their platforms of Australia-based accounts belonging to users younger than 16.

It requires major platforms to deactivate existing accounts and prevent new sign-ups for young users for an estimated one million teenagers across the country.

This move follows growing concerns over cyberbullying, mental health issues, and exposure to harmful content, as highlighted in government reports showing that 96% of 10- to 15-year-olds use social media.

The ban targets 10 major platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, Twitch, Threads, and Kick.

Companies must employ age-verification methods such as facial recognition, ID uploads, or behavioral analysis to enforce the restrictions, though no penalties apply to children or parents who circumvent them.

Australia's eSafety Commissioner will monitor compliance through audits and public reports, with potential court action against violators.

Implementation has seen mixed responses from tech giants. Meta began deactivating underage accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads ahead of the deadline, describing it as an ongoing process.

TikTok and Snapchat have introduced verification tools like selfies or bank-linked checks, while X has been slower to confirm full compliance. Elon Musk criticized the ban as a "backdoor" to broader internet control, and most platforms argue it infringes on free speech.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the policy as a necessary step to alleviate pressures from addictive algorithms, urging affected youth to engage in offline activities like sports or reading during school holidays.

The ban stems from amendments to the Online Safety Act, backed by research linking social media to risks like self-harm and exploitation. Supporters, including child advocates, praise it for setting a national standard, with polls showing two-thirds of Australians in favor.

Critics, however, warn of unintended consequences. Amnesty International calls it an "ineffective quick fix" that ignores children's rights to expression and access to beneficial online communities, potentially driving users to unregulated spaces.

Teens report distress over lost connections, with vulnerable groups like those with disabilities or in remote areas facing isolation.

Privacy risks from age-verification data collection have also been raised, alongside challenges like VPN use to bypass restrictions. A legal challenge is underway in Australia's High Court, filed by two 15-year-olds arguing the ban violates free communication rights and harms marginalized youth.

The government acknowledges imperfections but plans an independent evaluation to assess impacts on sleep, education, and social interactions.

Internationally, the policy is watched closely, with Malaysia, Denmark, and some US states considering similar measures amid global debates on youth online safety.

As platforms adapt, alternatives like Lemon8 and Yope have seen surges in downloads among teens seeking workarounds.

Experts view Australia as a testing ground for balancing child protection with digital freedoms, potentially influencing future regulations worldwide.